New Merancas IV Building Opens for Spring Term

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entrance to Merancas IV buildingCentral Piedmont is excited to announce Merancas IV, a new classroom building on its Merancas Campus in Huntersville, N.C., will open its doors for select in-person courses in January 2021.

The new 67,660 square-foot facility, designed by ADW Architects and constructed by Rodgers, features:

  • a campus library, including a computer classroom and Student Technology Center
  • four science labs
  • nine general classrooms
  • Middle College at Merancas Campus classrooms and offices
  • reading and math labs
  • student commons areas, including multi-purpose rooms, Student Government Association lounge and offices
  • student study and lounge areas
  • a campus administration office suite
  • faculty office areas

“One of Central Piedmont’s core values is being student-centered and focused on student success,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “With this in mind, our new facility will help us better serve our students by providing them with additional spaces to not only study and learn, but also to engage with their peers and grow their leadership skills through our many Student Life programs and Student Government initiatives.”

The $27.5 million project was funded with Mecklenburg County 2013 Bonds.

Please note if you’re a new or returning student, who is not sure if you have a class in the new facility, the building will be listed as “Merancas IV” in your schedule.

To see its location, view the Merancas Campus map.

Virtual Session: Top Ten Things You Need to Know Before Starting Class

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student looking at laptop in the classroom with central Piedmont face mask onStarting at Central Piedmont for the first time? Still have questions about how to navigate your first semester?

Get help at our virtual “Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting at Central Piedmont” event, hosted by members of our Outreach and Recruitment team on Saturday, January 9.

We’ll help answer your questions, like:

  • how to order your books from the bookstore
  • where to find support when you need it
  • how to pay your bill
  • and more

You do not need to sign up or register in advance — at the time of the session you want to join, simply select the link for that session. Learn more about the available sessions today!

You’ll get a Central Piedmont t-shirt for attending. This event is open to new Central Piedmont students only. Apply to the college now.

How can I tell If I need to report to campus this spring?

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teaching instructing in front of whiteboard while students are sitting in class using laptopsSpring semester classes will begin on January 11, and be taught in multiple formats – online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face.

Although the majority of classes will be taught online, hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.

To determine if your classes are online, a mixture of online and in-person, or completely in-person, follow these steps:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Student Planning.’
  3. Select ‘Go to Plan and Schedule.’
  4. Make sure the term at the top of this page says ‘Spring 2021.’
  5. Click on the ‘Print’ button.

This page will give you the clearest view of how your class will be delivered. You can print, print to PDF, or screen capture the schedule from a phone. Please note:

  • In the ‘Location’ column, if you only see ONLINE for that section, there will be no on-campus instruction.
  • If you see only campus buildings and rooms, that class will only meet in-person at the location(s) listed.
  • If you see both ONLINE and a campus building and room, that class will have a mixture of in-person and online instruction.

Also, please note that even with in-person classes you will have limited in-person meeting times. To find out:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Student Planning.’
  3. Select ‘Go to Plan and Schedule.’
  4. Make sure the term  says ‘Spring 2021.’
  5. In the “Meeting Information” section, you may have both in-person dates as well as online dates. This means you are in a hybrid or blended course.
  6. Select the course title. Learn more about the course in the “Additional Information” section.

Get Prepared for the New Year with Career Services

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Despite social distancing, the end of the year is still a great opportunity to build connections that elevate your career. With so many people working and attending school virtually, people are easier to contact online than ever before. Check out this short video ​to learn quick tips like these:

  • Put together a nice holiday/New Year’s message to touch base with your network, like former instructors, coworkers, and supervisors
  • Ask your network for names of people you should know
  • Develop your LinkedIn profile (see page 8 in the Career Guide)
  • Reach out to professionals doing what interests you for a virtual informational interview or brief chat about their career journey

Want to know more?

New Cashiering On-Campus Office Hours

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smiling female student sitting across from man in a suitEffective January 4, 2021 – January 15, 2021: Central Piedmont Cashiering Offices at all 6 campuses will be open from the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 5:00pm on Friday.

Business Office services remain available online, via email, and via telephone.

To view and pay your balance, please log in to MyCollege and select “Student Finance” to review your Account Summary, or to make a Payment.

2020 – A year in review (VIDEO)

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students walking with masks while on campusWhat a year it’s been! We are proud of the many ways we’ve come together as one college to support each other. We are awed by your tenacity and persistence. We are grateful you continue to be part of the Central Piedmont family.

We hope you’ll take a moment to reflect and enjoy this “Central Piedmont 2020 year in review” video from the college’s social media manager, Zach Claywell.

We look forward to seeing you – and being part of your successes – in 2021.

Have a Safe Winter Break!

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photo of snow on campusYou made it to the last month of a very challenging and unpredictable year! Central Piedmont wants you to have a safe and enjoyable winter break. Whether you are taking a winter session class or laying low this holiday season, we are still here to support you with whatever you need.

Here are some resources to help you:

  • Financial Aid Needs : There are scholarships for spring 2021 and grants available if they need help with paying for classes. 
  • Personal Needs: We have Emergency Grants available for unexpected financial emergencies.
  • Basic Needs: The Single Stop office is  available online or by phone to help connect  students to a variety of basic needs resources.
  • Technology Needs: Students can borrow laptops and WiFi hotspots for the spring 2021 semester at no cost
  • Academic/Emotional Needs: The Counseling Services team is available by email, phone, or video appointments to help   students with personal and academic counseling. 
  • College Services Needs: Our campus services and resources are still accessible remotely for our students.
Central Piedmont is currently (and safely) offering courses in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and in-person. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.) Central Piedmont continues to follow the state’s in-person guidelines that apply to higher education.
If you still need to take core classes or required courses for your major, we are dedicated to making sure you can keep going. The college will be closed Dec. 24 — Jan. 1 for the winter holiday — but online registration will still be available online.

How Do I Find My Financial Aid Counselor?

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counselor sitting alongside student while looking together at a computer screenEvery student has an assigned Financial Aid Specialist. While you are not obligated to interact only with your assigned specialist, your specialist will usually know your file best, and when you always contact the same specialist, this only becomes even more true.

In MyCollege, your assigned Central Piedmont Financial Aid Specialist is displayed on the bottom of the page when you first log in to Financial Aid Self-Service under “Financial Aid Counselor”:

financial aid counselor screenshot in MyCollege

Next to your specialist’s name will be his or her phone number and extension as well a  direct link to his or her email.

When communicating with Financial Aid via email, you must always use your Central Piedmont student email. Central Piedmont Financial Aid will not send updates and messages to non-Central Piedmont email addresses and will not be able to fully respond to emails sent from personal email accounts.

Using your Central Piedmont email account protects your personal information and allows us to serve you better.

Spring 2021 Parking Decals Not Required for Spring Semester

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picture behind Weiss building showing open sidewalkIn consideration of COVID-19, students are not required to display a Spring 2021 parking decal for the duration of the spring term. Tickets will not be issued to students who must return to campus for in-person instruction during this time.

Keep in mind, parking will still be enforced so be mindful of marked signage  — spaces that require a handicap permit, visitor spaces, and designated maintenance vehicle or administration spaces — while on campus.

Here are the latest Central Campus parking updates (please see the Central Campus map for locations of parking decks and lots):

Parking Decks:

  • Central Campus parking deck #1 –  1321 Charlottetowne Ave.
  • Central Campus parking deck #2 – 1108 Charlottetowne Ave.
  • Central Campus parking deck #3 – 1345 E. 4th St.
  • Central Campus parking deck #4 – 1225 E. 4th St.

Parking Deck # 2: The elevator in this parking deck is currently offline and students and employees must access the stairwell.

Parking Deck / Lot Availability: With all four parking decks open, in addition to multiple surface lots, there should be plenty of parking to accommodate students and employees. Students may not park in the SunTrust bank lot or risk having your car towed.

Also, please be aware there are construction and maintenance projects on most Central Piedmont campuses – particularly Central Campus – that could cause issues. Please use caution when driving near campus, looking out for pedestrians and people riding bikes and scooters. Local businesses strictly enforce towing.

Download the Central Piedmont app for iPhone or Android to see all campus maps or for more specific information – and follow #cpccparking on Twitter for the most recent parking info.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Piedmont Information Center at 704.330.2722 (CPCC).

Have a great semester!

Central Piedmont Receives $500,000 Grant from JPMorgan Chase

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four students standing around cyber equipment in classroomCentral Piedmont Community College received more than $700,000 from JPMorgan Chase to meet community needs for economically mobile career pathways and pandemic-related relief. A $500,000 grant will help the college develop new, fully online training pathways in high-demand IT fields, including cybersecurity, health IT and forensic accounting. The funds will provide for course development, instructional capacity, technology and student support services.

In addition, JPMorgan Chase will extend a second grant of $235,000 to Central Piedmont to provide sub-grants to 11 Mecklenburg County non-profit organizations that are serving populations severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funds will help them meet increased demands for services like housing, food, healthcare, legal assistance and technology among the Charlotte area’s most vulnerable populations.

“When JPMorgan Chase comes to a city, one of the first things we do is identify community partners that will help us not only connect with the community, but actually make a long-term and sustainable impact on its residents and their economic mobility. We found a partner in Central Piedmont Community College,” said Dekonti Mends-Cole, vice president of corporate responsibility at JPMorgan Chase. “Central Piedmont does not just educate students; it also identifies the needs of the surrounding community and provides the tools and the programs to address them. We’re pleased to partner with the college to help the residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County thrive.”

These two grants are the latest in a history of support JPMorgan Chase has provided Central Piedmont. Since 2014, JPMorgan Chase has invested approximately $1.6 million in the college to support multiple programs, including truck driver training, electrical vehicle technology training, global logistics and distribution, and a customized training program for workers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Approximately 525 students have earned credentials though these programs.

“What an incredible blessing it is to be included in a partnership with JPMorgan Chase, Central Piedmont and 10 other nonprofits to help people in need in our community. At Loaves & Fishes, we see the faces of children, families and seniors here in our community who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. It fills my heart to know this funding will help to ensure everyone in need will have a full plate for the days, weeks and months to come,” said Tina Postel, executive director of Loaves & Fishes.

“JPMorgan Chase understands well and supports generously Central Piedmont’s mission of helping students achieve career success and greater economic mobility by providing pathways to skills training that is relevant in our global economy,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “JPMorgan Chase is a true partner and leader in this community’s work to ensure a greater number of our neighbors get the opportunity and support to build family-sustaining careers. The college and Charlotte region are blessed to have such an intuitive and responsive partner like JPMorgan Chase.”

Advisory: Statewide curfew to take effect Dec. 11

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orange graphic COVID 19N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper has issued a curfew for North Carolinians and businesses, effective Friday, Dec. 11.

The “modified stay-at-home order” will require people to stay home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and most retail and entertainment businesses to close by 10 p.m. All on-site alcohol sales are required to end by 9 p.m., Cooper said.

Travel to and from work, to obtain food, medical care, fuel or social services, or to take care of a family member is exempted from the curfew.

The governor said the move is to limit gatherings and to slow the spread of coronavirus. “We will do more if our trends do not improve,” Cooper said.

The modified stay-at-home order will remain in place until at least Jan. 8.

According to the Governor’s executive order, between Nov. 21 and Dec. 4, more than three-fourths of North Carolina counties were experiencing “substantial” or “critical” spread COVID-19 community spread, based on the new County Alert System developed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

The college encourages all community members to stay vigilant in maintaining all of our safety practices. Please keep wearing a facemask, practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently, and monitoring yourself for any possible COVID-19 symptoms. Should you develop any symptoms or feel ill at all, please stay home and consult a physician.

Bookstores Re-opening January 2021

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image of bookstore entranceAll (6) six of the Central Piedmont Bookstores will re-open on January 4, 2021. All locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All textbook purchases are to be placed online, but all other items can be purchased online or in the store.

Store pickup is available for all locations, but Cato and Central Campus only are offering curbside from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bookstore location at Merancas will be in the new Merancas IV building.

To see its location, view the Merancas Campus map.

If you need assistance, here are some important resources to help:

Online Ordering:

  • The bookstore will process all textbook orders as quickly as possible, and all student orders will be processed in the manner in which they were received.
  • Please allow 5 business days for processing and then your shipping method will apply.
  • To cancel your order please provide the order number to be cancelled when emailing the request.

Online Instructions:

Important Information:

For the fastest response to questions, please contact the bookstore by email at: bookstore@cpcc.edu or visit the Barnes & Noble website.

You may also leave a message at: 704-330-2722 x3699 and a staff member will return your call.

Register now for spring 2021 — Keep going! We can help.

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Take core classes or required courses for your major — whatever you need — please let us help you stay on track with your goals this spring. teaching instructing in front of whiteboard while students are sitting in class using laptops

Central Piedmont is currently (and safely) offering courses in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and in-person. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.) Central Piedmont continues to follow the state’s in-person guidelines that apply to higher education.

Career and academic support services are available online to help you reach your goals. There are also scholarship funds available to help you complete your program.

Don’t wait any longer – register today to build the schedule you want. The college will be closed Dec. 24 — Jan. 1 for the winter holiday — online registration will still be available — so let us help you now. Here’s how:

  1. Check in with a Central Piedmont advisor to plan your schedule online.
  2. Talk to a financial aid counselor to apply for and pay your tuition with a scholarship, a grant, or emergency funds.
  3. Download the Central Piedmont app to register and access services, your schedule, and financial aid.

Classes begin Jan. 11 —  visit the registration page for more information.

New Cashiering On-Campus Office Hours

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The Central Piedmont Cashiering Office at Central campus will be open from the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 5:00pm on Friday. The Cashiering office at Levine campus will be open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Cato, Harper, Harris, and Merancas will open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on December 14th.

These hours will remain in effect until December 23, 2020. Business Office services remain available online, via email, and via telephone.

To view and pay your balance, please log in to MyCollege and select “Student Finance” to review your Account Summary, or to make a Payment.

Appointments can be made by calling any campus listed below between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or you can send an email to cashier@cpcc.edu.

  • Cato Campus                704-330-4842
  • Central Campus            704-330-6964
  • Harper Campus             704-330-4472
  • Harris Campus              704-330-4647
  • Levine Campus             704-330-4262
  • Merancas Campus        704-330-4125

Learn How to Cope with Stress with Counseling Services

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female student wearing mask in classWith classes, work, personal lives, COVID-19, politics, and family impacting us each day — and now final assignments and the holidays — how do we manage our stress so we can continue to be happy and productive? Come learn how with Counseling Services.

This workshop, Coping with Stress During Stressful Times, will be held Wednesday, December 9 at 2pm. The workshop will help you identify ways anxiety both helps and harms us, increases understanding of how anxiety works, and offers tools and resources to help us face the stresses we experience each day.

REGISTER

There are limited spots available — you need to register in advance.

Register now. After you register, you will be sent the Webex link. To prepare for the meeting, learn how to use Webex.

Instructions for Returning Bookstore Rentals from Fall Semester

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booksTextbook rentals can be returned by the following methods:

  1. UPS. You will need your order number to print the UPS shipping label. You can find your order number in the confirmation email from your online order or any of your rental reminder emails. You can print your UPS label on or before your charge date. Learn more about the easy step-by-step rental return instructions. (Please ship books by Dec. 11, to allow for shipping time and returns to be received by the bookstore by Dec. 15.)
  2. Bookstores on Harper, Harris & Merancas Campus will be open for textbook rental returns only on: December 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  3. Bookstores on Central, Cato & Levine Campus will be open for textbook rental returns only on: December 11, 14, and 15 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For the fastest response to questions, please contact the bookstore by email at: bookstore@cpcc.edu.

Central Piedmont Art Galleries Closing for December

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The Ross and Overcash Art Galleries wishes you and your family a lovely holiday season!

The Art Galleries will close temporarily beginning November 26 and reopening with two new shows January 11, 2021.
In case you missed seeing our current  virtual fall exhibitions Reconvene by Keith Bryant and Love & Gravity by Linda Luise Brown.
Stay safe this holiday season, and we can’t wait to see you next semester.

Mentorship Can Enhance Your Educational Experience

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photo of teacher overlooking and as three male students do homeworkAre you a new Central Piedmont student? Peer mentors provide first-year student mentees with guidance through unique challenges. Mentors help find the answers to a variety of questions, ranging from academic concerns to the challenges of balancing school and other priorities.

A peer mentor provides the following benefits:

  • increased confidence and self esteem
  • enhanced self-motivation, self-discipline, and goal-setting
  • opportunity to gain knowledge about Central Piedmont’s resources and services, while getting connected to other peers

To be eligible to receive a peer mentor, you must:

  • be currently registered for at least one class at Central Piedmont
  • be open-minded for suggestions
  • maintain a positive attitude
  • get to know your mentor and accept support
  • strive for success and show an interest in academic achievement

Sign up to receive a peer mentor today!

If you have any questions please feel free to email April Wright or Katrina Johnson.

Advisory: Gov. Cooper Announces New Face Covering Requirements

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North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced a new set of face covering requirements today, Nov. 23, calling them the state’s “best weapon” against a “dire” spread of COVID-19.

He said the state now has 20 counties considered “red,” where “critical spread” is occurring, under the state’s coronavirus alert system — double what it was when the color-coded alerts were introduced just last week.

Gov. Cooper said his new executive order requires wearing a mask at home when friends are over as well as all public settings, including when at work, the gym, stores, and schools. The order also adds to business’ role in making sure customers wear masks inside stores and keep six feet apart. The new executive order goes into effect at 5 p.m., on Nov. 25, and runs through at least Dec. 11.

Thanksgiving is this Thursday, and the state is under Phase 3 of reopening and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people unless they are part of the same household. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 persons, however; face coverings must be worn outdoors if persons do not keep at least six feet from non-­household members.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has strongly advised people to stay home for the holiday. North Carolina does not have travel restrictions.

Gov. Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, also urge people to celebrate Thanksgiving with safety precautions, including small groups, eating outside, social distancing of at least six feet with people outside your household, washing hands frequently and wearing a mask.

Last week, NCDHHS unveiled a new alert system that shows different color-coded levels of yellow, orange, and red to represent COVID-19 hotspots by county. The levels include different suggestions for how the counties can curb the spread of COVID-19. Read more about the new system in this Charlotte Observer article​. Mecklenburg County currently is coded yellow, which indicates “significant” spread. However, counties surrounding Mecklenburg are shown as orange (substantial spread) and red (critical spread).

New Online Winter Sessions

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teaching instructing in front of whiteboard while students are sitting in class using laptopsGet a head start on next semester’s course load by taking an accelerated class this winter to earn credits towards your degree. Central Piedmont will offer several four-week classes online through two winter sessions. 

Most classes are Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) courses, meaning they have been universally approved to transfer to most four-year universities in North Carolina.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Session 1: Monday, November 30, 2020–Wednesday, December 30, 2020
  • Session 2: Wednesday, December 9, 2020–Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Winter Session classes are accelerated and time-intensive. We recommend you register for no more than one winter session class.

Learn more about winter sessions and how to register today.